The Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship was established in 1993 to provide financial support to enable Aboriginal students in years 11 and 12 to complete the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) in government schools.

The scholarship is awarded for excellence and is recognised as a prestigious award in South Australian communities.

Successful applicants will get 4 payments of $500, totalling $2000 across years 11 and 12. Students must be enrolled and engaged in continuous study at the time of each payment.

Who can apply

The Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship is available to Aboriginal students enrolled in South Australian Department for Education schools.

In 2026, year 10 students undertaking year 11 in 2027 and year 12 in 2028 can apply.

Selection is based on the following application criteria and a series of indicators for each:

• student’s capacity to complete SACE: level of achievement, consistency, attendance, skill improvement
• school or community support: role models or leadership, representation on committees, commitment to the Aboriginal community, community supportiveness
• career aspirations: goal setting, evidence of use of initiative, presentation and communication skills evident in writing
• significance of the scholarship: evidence of usefulness and need.

How to apply

Applicants must complete the application form and submit documentation incorporating:

• a statement completed by a staff member who has a strong relationship with them
• copies of their year 10 school reports for terms 1, 2 and 3
• at least one referee statement regarding their participation in state, Aboriginal community and school activities
• Additional supporting evidence of this participation – for example photos, certificates, letters, community publications
• a personal statement about their career aspirations
• a personal statement about how the scholarship would help them
• copies of awards or certificates they have received.

Students must work with any of the following school staff to complete the application form:

• Aboriginal education teacher
• ASETO
• school teacher
• school counsellors
• tutor
• principal.